The longer I live, the more I realize the importance of spiritual humility.
With too much of ministry success defined by “cool” and marketing/packaging, it is refreshing to see the hyper-simple lesson of John 3:30.
It is a lesson that can jump-start ministry success for the un-cool ministry crowd who don’t have megachurch megabudgets and mega-pools of mega-cool staff and volunteers.
It’s all about standing and serving in Christ’s power, not our own.
It’s all about humility.
It’s all about trusting that it is the Word of Christ — not ours — that can change hearts.
Here’s what John the Baptist told his followers when they were complaining about the growing popularity of Jesus.
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
Think of the Christians who most influence you.
Is it because they’re cool?
Or is it because they’re increasingly Christlike?
Do you frequently hear Christ’s teachings flavoring their conversation?
Or is Christianity a rare, random topic of conversation with them?
When others observe our behavior at work or at home, do they see parallels to how Jesus handled similiar situations during His life?
Or does a biblical principle or example never enter their minds as they watch us?
Please make the teachings of Jesus more evident in your life at home, at school, at work.
Pray more.
Gossip less.
Forgive more.
Lust less.
Donate more.
Shop less.
Study more.
Stumble less.
Jesus was perfect.
The more of His Way that we integrate into our lives, the less that our flaws will get in the way of our leading people to salvation.
As we make sure to follow Jesus rather than the reverse, we’ll be doing right.
And more people will see the Light.
As always, I love you
Martin
